Self cleaning dip-in package for liquids

ABSTRACT

A self cleaning dip in package is disclosed. The package includes a vial having an opening through which a user may access liquid stored within the vial. The opening is defined by an inner wall of the vial which provides access to the contents of the package. The package also includes an applicator adapted for insertion within the open end of the vial to access the liquid stored within the vial, wherein the applicator is coupled to a handle and the handle is selectively coupled to the vial for storing the liquid within the vial. The package further includes a first wiper coupled within the opening of the vial such that the applicator is wiped of excess liquid when the applicator is withdrawn from within the vial and a second wiper coupled to the handle such that the second wiper wipes the inner wall of the open end of the vial as the applicator is inserted into the vial. A process for filling the package and a venting system are also disclosed.

CROSS REFERENCE

[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.09/229,129, filed Jan. 12, 1999.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates to a self cleaning dip-in package forliquids. More particularly, the invention relates to a self cleaningstem/wiper for dip-in cosmetic packages. The invention also relates to aprocess for filling a self cleaning dip-in package for liquids.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Conventional lipsticks primarily consist of waxes, oils andpigments. The oils and waxes make the lipstick film fluid, allowing thelipstick to be easily blotted or rubbed off. Several “non-transfer”lipstick products have been recently introduced on the market. Theseproducts are similar in technology to conventional lipstick products,but replace the nonvolatile oils commonly found in conventionallipsticks with volatile solvents. As a result, the volatile solventevaporates when the product is applied to the lips, leaving a drier filmof waxes and pigments. The film resists blotting relative tooil-containing products, but dissolves readily in food oils.

[0004] These newer lipstick products employ a two-step lip coloringsystem that delivers a lipstick with noticeably longer-wearing color anda moist feel. The longer-wearing color is achieved via a pigmented solidpolymer basecoat and the moist feel is achieved via a clear topcoat. Inaccordance with a preferred embodiment, the basecoat primarily consistsof MQ resin and dimethicone gum, dissolved in a volatile permethyl 99Asolvent that evaporates after the product is applied to the lips. Oncethe solvent evaporates, the pigments are adhered to the lips by a highviscosity polymer film that is free of waxes and oils. The end film isresistant to blotting, rubbing and food oils, all of which typicallyremove conventional lipsticks. However, the aggressive permethyl 99Avolatile solvent dictates that a very good sealant system be employed inthe application package.

[0005] The resins employed in the two-step lip coloring system arerelatively expensive engineering grade resins, and containment of theresins is important. Containment of the resins is also important from anaesthetic standpoint since users do not wish to see excess resindispersed around the inner neck of the vial when the brush or doe footis removed from the vial. Prior attempts have been made to provide awiper responding to the problems associated with the accumulation ofexcess resins on the inner neck of the vial. However, no wiper systemshave effectively eliminated the problems in a convenient and costeffective manner.

[0006] Accordingly, a need exists for a package exhibiting excellentsealing and wiping characteristics. A need also exists for a convenientand reliable process for assembling and filling packages. The presentinvention provides a package exhibiting these characteristics, as wellas a process for filling the packages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide aself cleaning dip-in package. The package includes a vial having anopening through which a user may access liquid stored within the vial.The opening is defined by an inner wall of the vial which providesaccess to product stored within the package. The package furtherincludes an applicator adapted for insertion within the open end of thevial to access liquid product stored within the vial, wherein theapplicator is coupled to a handle and the handle is selectively coupledto the vial for storing the product within the vial. A first wiper iscoupled within the opening of the vial such that the first wiper cleansexcess product from the applicator as the applicator is withdrawn fromwithin the vial. A second wiper is coupled to the handle such that thesecond wiper wipes the inner wall of the open end of the vial as theapplicator is inserted into the vial.

[0008] It is also an object of the present invention to provide apackage wherein the first wiper includes a check valve seal whichengages the inner wall of the vial to allow the passage of product wipedby the second wiper into the vial but prevent the passage of product outof the vial.

[0009] It is another object of the present invention to provide apackage including a stem insert which connects the applicator to thehandle. In addition, the second wiper is integrally formed with the steminsert.

[0010] It is a further object of the present invention to provide apackage wherein the stem insert includes vents which equalize pressureas the applicator is withdrawn from the vial to prevent the creation ofvacuum pressure in the space between the first wiper and the stem insertas the applicator is withdrawn from the vial.

[0011] It is also an object of the present invention to provide apackage wherein the vial includes an open second end sealed by a plug.

[0012] It is another object of the present invention to provide apackage including at least one wiper vent allowing pressure to escapethe vial once the applicator has been inserted within the vial such thatthe wiper vent contacts the first wiper creating a path through whichpressure is released from the vial.

[0013] It is a further object of the present invention to provide aprocess for assembling and filling a package. The process includes thesteps of coupling the top closure member to the open first end of thevial to seal the open first end of the vial, filling the vial withproduct through the open second end of the vial and securing the plug tothe open second end of the vial to seal the open second end of the vial.

[0014] It is also an object of the present invention to provide aprocess for assembling and filling a package including the step ofinstalling a wiper within the vial prior to coupling the top closuremember to the vial.

[0015] It is another object of the present invention to provide aprocess for assembling and filling a package wherein the step ofcoupling the top closure member to the vial includes assembling theapplicator and stem insert to form an applicator/stem insert assembly,installing the applicator/stem insert assembly within the open first endof the vial, and coupling the handle to the applicator/stem insertassembly.

[0016] It is a further object of the present invention to provide awiper vent for a package. The wiper vent includes at least onepassageway formed on the applicator/stem insert. The at least onepassageway allows pressure to escape the vial once the applicator/steminsert assembly has been inserted within the vial such that the at leastone passageway contacts the first wiper creating a path through whichpressure is released from the vial.

[0017] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a wipervent for a package wherein the applicator/stem insert assembly is formedfrom an applicator and a stem insert, and the at least one passageway isformed on the stem insert.

[0018] It is another object of the present invention to provide a wipervent for a package including a plurality of passageways formed about theapplicator stem insert.

[0019] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description when viewed inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, which set forth certainembodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present package with the vialand handle separated.

[0021]FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the present package with the plugassembled.

[0022]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the present package with thehandle and vial connected.

[0023]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the present package with thehandle and vial separated.

[0024]FIG. 5 is top view of the vial with the applicator wiper inposition.

[0025]FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the handle with the stem insert inposition.

[0026]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the handle.

[0027]FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a handle/stem insert withoutvents.

[0028]FIG. 9 is a top view of the vial without the applicator wiper.

[0029]FIG. 10A and 10B are schematics of the process for assembling andfilling the present package.

[0030]FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the present package having analternative mating design wherein the stem insert is extended andprovided with threads which mate with the vial threads.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] The detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosedherein. It should be understood, however, that the disclosed embodimentsare merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in variousforms. Therefore, the details disclosed herein are not to be interpretedas limited, but merely as the basis for the claims and as a basis forteaching one skilled in the art how to make and/or use the invention.

[0032] With reference to FIG. 1-8, a self cleaning dip-in package 10 inaccordance with the present invention is disclosed. The package 10provides ideal sealing and wiping assemblies optimized for use with thetwo-step lip coloring systems discussed above. As such, the package 10includes a handle 12, a stem insert 14, a vial 16, a bottom plug 18, awiper system 20 and an applicator 22, 22′.

[0033] The preferred embodiment of the present package 10 has beendesigned with containment of the volatile lipstick product discussedabove in mind. However, the package 10 may be used with other productswithout departing from the spirit of the present invention. When thepackage 10 is used with other products, variations in the packagematerials may be made without departing from the spirit of the presentinvention.

[0034] The present package 10 employs a dual wiper system 20 includingan applicator wiper 24 and vial finish wiper 26. The wipers maintain aclean appearance on the applicator 22, 22′ and vial finish 28. Thepackage 10 further includes a series of vents which facilitate theefficient use of the present dual wiper system.

[0035] The handle 12 is shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 6 and 7, and is asubstantially cylindrical member with a closed end 30 and an open end32. The handle 12 is designed to support the applicator 22, for example,a brush 22 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) or doe foot 22′ (see FIGS. 3 and 4),extending therefrom. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of thepresent invention, the handle 12 is manufactured from ABS, although thehandle 12 may be manufactured from a variety of materials and with avariety of styles without departing from the spirit of the presentinvention.

[0036] A stem insert 14 is coupled within the open end 32 of the handle12. The stem insert 14 includes an extended projection 34 to which theapplicator 22, 22′ is coupled. A vial finish wiper 26 is integrallymolded with the stem insert 14. As will be discussed in greater detailbelow, the vial finish wiper 26 cleans the inside wall 40 of the vialfinish 28 when the applicator 22 is inserted within the vial 16.

[0037] The stem insert 14 is preferably made from SELAR 3426, anamorphous nylon (polyamide) resin manufactured by DuPont. SELAR 3426provides the barrier properties required for proper containment of thevolatile lipstick product. Other similar materials, for example, CELCON(an acetal resin manufactured by BASF), polypropylene, etc., may besubstituted without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0038] As discussed above, the stem insert 14 is secured within the openend 32 of the handle 12. The stem insert 14 and handle 12 are providedwith engaging elements designed to securely maintain the stem insert 14in position relative to the handle 12. Specifically, the outer surfaceof the stem insert 14 includes a plurality of longitudinally extendingsplines 42 and a snap bead 44. With reference to FIG. 7, the innersurface of the handle 12 includes a series of longitudinally extendinggrooves 46 shaped and dimensioned to receive the plurality oflongitudinally extending splines 42 and a mechanical stop 48 positionedat the upper end of the longitudinally extending grooves 46 shaped anddimensioned to limit longitudinal movement of the stem insert 14 withinthe handle 12. The inner surface of the handle 12 is further providedwith a snap groove 50 shaped and dimensioned to securely receive thesnap bead 44, and thereby retain the stem insert 14 in position with thehandle 12.

[0039] In use, the stem insert 14 is inserted into the open end 32 ofthe handle 12. The longitudinally extending splines 42 first engage thelongitudinally extending grooves 46 to ensure alignment of the steminsert 14 within the handle 12. The snap bead 44 then engages the snapgroove 50. The final depth is achieved when the mechanical stop 48 isengaged upon seating the snap bead 44 in the snap groove 50. Thelongitudinally extending splines 42 ensure nonradial movement whenapplying torque, while the mechanical stop 48 and the snap bead 44 limitlongitudinal movement of the stem insert 14 within the handle 12.

[0040] A variety of applicators may be used in accordance with thepresent invention. For example, and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, theapplicator 22 may be a brush 52 held by a ferrule 54. The brush 52 ispreferably shaped by the ferrule 54 to be oval in cross section at thebase of the bristles. The bristle fibers are fine gauge (0.002″ -0.004″in diameter) and gradually taper to a point at the tip of the brush 52so that the fibers tend to converge on themselves. The ovalcross-section of the ferrule 54 where the bristles emerge transitions toa round cross-section. The brush/ferrule subassembly attaches to thestem insert 14 in the region where the ferrule 54 is round incross-section.

[0041] Alternately, and as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the applicator 22′may take the form of a doe foot 56. The doe foot 56 consists of a whitePVC flexor, urethane adhesive and flocking. The flocking is preferably1.8 denier X 0.030″ long natural nylon flocking.

[0042] While two alternate embodiments of applicators have beendisclosed above, it should readily be appreciated by those of ordinaryskill in the art that a wide variety of applicators may be used withoutdeparting from the spirit of the present invention.

[0043] The vial 16 is shaped to substantially match the profile of thehandle 12 and is accordingly a cylindrical shaped member. However, thevial 16 may take on a variety of other shapes without departing from thespirit of the present invention. The vial 16 includes open ends at botha first end 58 and a second end 60 thereof. The first end 58 of the vial16 includes a vial finish 28 shaped and dimensioned to support theapplicator wiper 24 (discussed in greater detail below) and receive theapplicator 22 secured to the handle 12.

[0044] Specifically, the first end 58 of the vial 16 includes acentrally mounted ring 62 supported at the bottom of the vial finish 28.The ring 62 is supported by a series of support arms 64 creating anannular passageway 66 about the ring 62. The annular passageway 66allows the vial finish wiper 26 to wipe excess product from the innerwall 40 of the vial finish 28 back into the product compartment 68 ofthe vial 16 in a manner that will be discussed below in greater detail.The ring 62 also supports the applicator wiper 24 such that theapplicator 22 is wiped clean when the applicator 22 is pulled fromwithin the vial 16.

[0045] The second end 60 of the vial 16 is open for filling in a mannerthat will be discussed in greater detail below. After filling, thesecond end 60 of the vial 16 is closed by a plug 18 which is insertedwithin the second end 60 of the vial 16. The plug 18 includes a snapbead 70 which engages a snap groove 72 along the inner wall 74 of thesecond end 60 of the vial 16. The plug 18 also includes a seal member 76which engages the inner wall 74 of the vial 16 to form a seal betweenthe vial 16 and the plug 18.

[0046] The vial 16 is preferably BAREX 210 injection molding material,an impact modified acrylonitrile-methyl acrylate copolymer manufacturedby British Petroleum. BAREX 210 thoroughly contains the volatilelipstick product within the vial, although appropriate substitutematerials may be employed without departing from the spirit of thepresent invention. The bottom plug 18 is preferably made from highdensity polyethylene. The plug 18 has the specific task of forming ahermetic seal with the vial 16. As such, fluorine gas treatments may beused to provide better product containment within the vial 16.

[0047] While a snap fit has been disclosed for securing the plug 18within the second end 60 of the vial 16, other attachment methods couldbe used without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Forexample, the plug may be secured within the second end of the vial bysonic welding of like materials or by spin welding.

[0048] The handle 12 is selectively coupled to the vial 16 via theinteraction between internal threading 78 formed adjacent the open end32 of the handle 12 and external threading 80 formed on the vial finish28. In this way the handle 12 is easily screwed onto the vial 16 to sealthe opening found in the first end 58 of the vial 16.

[0049] As the handle 12 is screwed onto the vial finish 28, the steminsert 14 engages the inside top edge 82 of the vial finish 28 (seeFIGS. 3 and 8) to securely seal the vial 16 and the contents heldtherein. The stem insert 14 is shaped and dimensioned to create a singlecontact point between the stem insert 14 and the inside top edge 82 ofthe vial finish 28.

[0050] As discussed in the Background of the Invention, it is importantto maintain a clean appearance about the exposed areas of the package10. As such, the package 10 is designed with a wiper system 20consisting of an applicator wiper 24 mounted on the ring 62 supportedwithin the first end 58 of the vial 16 (that is, within the vial finish28) and a vial finish wiper 26 integrally formed with the stem insert14. The wiper system 20 cleans product from the applicator 22 and theinner wall 40 of the vial finish 28.

[0051] The applicator wiper 24 contacts the applicator 22 to removeundesired product from the outer diameter of the applicator 22. Theapplicator wiper 24 also prevents liquid from flowing out of the vial 16when the package 10 is inverted and the applicator 22 is positionedwithin applicator wiper 24.

[0052] As discussed above, the applicator wiper 24 is mounted on thering 62 within the first end 58 of the vial 16. The applicator wiper 24is substantially annular shaped and provides an access opening throughwhich the applicator 22 may enter the vial 16. Specifically, theapplicator wiper 24 includes a central circumferential rim 84 whichseats about the ring 62 to mount the applicator wiper 24 within thefirst end 58 of the vial 16.

[0053] The applicator wiper 24 also includes an inner wiper member 86substantially aligned with the opening formed in the ring 62. The innerwiper member 86 is angled toward the interior of the vial 16 toeffectively wipe the applicator 22 as it is withdrawn from the vial 16.

[0054] The applicator wiper 24 is further provided with a check valveseal 88, or trumpet valve, about its outer circumference. The checkvalve seal 88 engages the inner wall 40 of the vial finish 28 below thesupport arms 64 connecting the ring 62 to the vial finish 64. The checkvalve seal 88 allows product accumulating on the vial finish 28 to bepushed back into the vial 16 while similarly preventing the same productfrom flowing along the wall of the vial 16 and out of the vial 16.

[0055] The applicator wiper 24 is preferably manufactured from nitrilerubber, although other materials may be used without departing from thespirit of the present invention. Nitrile rubbers are sufficientlyflexible and maintain a small amount of dimensional change whensubmerged in the volatile lipstick product under load for extendedperiods of time. While nitrile rubbers have been specifically chosen foruse with the present volatile lipstick composition because of theircompatibility, the applicator wiper 24 may be made from a wide varietyof materials so long as the wiper material is compatible with the liquidproduct stored within the vial 16.

[0056] The vial finish wiper 26 is integrally formed with the steminsert 14 and is substantially hidden from view. As such, the vialfinish wiper 26 is formed from the same hard plastic material as thestem insert 14. The vial finish wiper 26 rubs against the inner wall 40of the vial finish 28 when the handle 12 is inserted into and withdrawnfrom the vial 16. As such, the vial finish wiper 26 maintains the innerportion of the vial 16, specifically, the inner wall 40 of the vialfinish 28, clean.

[0057] The stem insert 14 is vented 90 into the handle interior 92 toequalize pressure as the applicator 22 is inserted into the vial 16. Byventing the stem insert 14 to the handle interior 92, the build up ofnegative pressure is prevented in the space between the applicator wiper24 and the stem insert 14 when the applicator 22 is withdrawn from thevial 16. If the vents 90 were not present, a vacuum pressure would becreated in the space between the applicator wiper 24 and the stem insert14 as the applicator 22 is withdrawn from the vial 16. The vacuumpressure created by the withdrawal of the applicator 22 from the vialacts to pull lipstick product from the product compartment 68, throughthe inner wiper member 86 of the applicator wiper 24, and onto theapplicator 22.

[0058] The stem insert 14 is further provided with wiper vents 94located along a portion of the extended projection 34 of the stem insert14 to which the applicator 22 is attached. The wiper vents 94 allow thevial 16 to vent any pressure built up while the applicator 22 isinserted into the vial 16. Specifically, pressure builds up within thevial 16 and the vial finish 28 as the applicator 22 is inserted therein.If the pressure is not vented, the pressure urges the handle 12 and thevial 16 apart.

[0059] The wiper vents 94 allow pressure to escape the vial 16 once thehandle 12 has been inserted within the vial 16 and the wiper vents 94contact the inner wiper member 86 of the applicator wiper 24. When thewiper vents 94 contact the inner wiper member 86, the wiper vents 94create a path through which pressure is released from the vial 16.

[0060] In use, the handle 12 is twisted relative the vial 16 to releasethe handle 12 from the vial 16. Once the handle 12 is released, theapplicator 22 may be withdrawn from the vial 16. As the applicator 22 iswithdrawn from the vial 16, the inner wiper member 86 of the applicatorwiper 24 contacts the applicator 22 to wipe off excess product. Theexcess product wiped from the applicator 22 is retained within theproduct compartment 68 of the vial 16. The user is then free to applythe product without worrying that excess product may drip from theapplicator 22.

[0061] When the user is finished applying the product, the applicator 22is inserted within the vial finish 28 and through the opening defined bythe inner wiper member 86. The applicator 22 is inserted until thehandle threads 78 engage the vial finish threads 80, at which time thehandle 12 is rotated and secured to vial 16. While the threads of thehandle and vial engage, the vial finish wiper 26 moves within the vialfinish 28 and engages the inner wall 40 of the vial finish 28. The wiper26 then moves along the wall 40 as the handle 12 and vial 16 arerotated. In this way, the vial finish wiper 26 pushes product which hasaccumulated on the inner wall 40 of the vial finish 28 back into theproduct compartment 68 of the vial 16. Specifically, the product ispushed along the inner wall 40 of the vial finish 28, through theannular passageway 66 created by the support arms 64, past the checkvalve seal 88 and into the product compartment 68 of the vial 16. Oncethe handle 12 is fully secured to the vial 16, the vial finish wiper 26will have pushed excess product back into the product compartment 68 anda complete seal will have formed between the handle 12 and the vial 16.

[0062] In an alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the stem insert 14′is not vented into the handle 12′ to equalize pressure as the handle 12′is withdrawn from the vial 16′. As discussed above, the vents providedin the stem insert allow pressure to be vented as the handle iswithdrawn from the vial. Such vents may be unnecessary for certainapplications of the present package and additional manufacturing costsmay be saved by not including the vents.

[0063] As discussed above, the materials used in the construction of thepackage 10 have been chosen based upon the volatile characteristics ofthe lipstick product packaged in accordance with the preferredembodiment of the present invention. As such, where the present package10 is used to store other compositions, other materials may be used inthe construction of the present package 10 without departing from thespirit of the present invention.

[0064] One way to ensure adequate sealing is by filling the basecoatthrough the bottom of the package 10 and plugging the bottom. Thisbottom filling is completed while the wiper system 20 is securelycoupled to the top of the package 10. The bottom filling method isemployed in contrast to more conventional techniques in which thepackage is filled through the top and the handle is subsequentlyinserted by hand.

[0065] With reference to FIGS. 10A and 10B, the process for packagingproduct within the present package 10 is disclosed. As discussed above,the present process employs a bottom filling technique which optimizesthe sealing characteristics of the container as well as themanufacturing costs of the packaged product.

[0066] The vial 16 is moved along an assembly line and the applicatorwiper 24 is positioned within the vial finish 28 as discussed above. Thehandle assembly 96 is then assembled in the following manner.

[0067] The stem insert 14 and the applicator 22 are first connected. Thehandle 12 is then coupled to the stem insert/applicator assembly,completing the construction of the handle assembly 96.

[0068] Once the handle assembly 96 is properly assembled, the handleassembly 96 is secured to the vial 16 by mating and rotating the handlethreads 78 with vial threads 80. The functionality of mating handlethreads 78 with vial threads 80 may be accomplished similarly in analternative design by having stem insert 14 extend outside the outersurface of inner wall 40 and then providing threads on said stem insertextension 79 which mates with vial threads 80, as shown in FIG. 11,without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Thehandle/vial assembly 98 is then prepared for filling. The handle/vialassembly 98 is inverted (if it is not already inverted) and is filledwith product. Finally, the plug 18 is snap fit to the bottom of thefilled handle/vial assembly 98 and the packaged product is complete.

[0069] While the process discussed represents the preferred method forassembly of the package in accordance with the present invention, it iscontemplated that similar packages may be assembled in accordance withthe present process without departing from the spirit of the presentinvention. For example, where a vial finish wiper is not employed withthe package, the stem insert/applicator assembly may be attached to thevial before the handle is secured to the stem insert/applicatorassembly. When this takes place, the handle is coupled to the steminsert/applicator assembly after the stem insert/applicator assembly hasbeen attached to the vial. Under such a variation, the preceding andsubsequent steps discussed above would remain the same.

[0070] While the preferred embodiments have been shown and described, itwill be understood that there is no intent to limit the invention bysuch disclosure, but rather, is intended to cover all modifications andalternate constructions falling within the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined in the appended claims.

We claim:
 1. A process for assembling and filling a package, wherein thepackage includes a vial having an open first end and an open second end,a selectively releasable top closure member and a plug, the processcomprising the following steps: coupling the top closure member to theopen first end of the vial to seal the open first end of the vial;filling the vial with product through the open second end of the vial;and securing the plug to the open second end of the vial to seal theopen second end of the vial.
 2. The process according to claim 1 ,further including the step of installing a wiper within the vial priorto coupling the top closure member to the vial.
 3. The process accordingto claim 1 , wherein the top closure member includes an applicator and ahandle.
 4. The process according to claim 3 , wherein the top closuremember further includes a stem insert coupling the applicator to thehandle.
 5. The process according to claim 4 , wherein the step ofcoupling the top closure member to the vial includes assembling theapplicator and stem insert to form an applicator/stem insert assembly,installing the applicator/stem insert assembly within the open first endof the vial, and coupling the handle to the applicator/stem insertassembly.
 6. The process according to claim 1 , wherein the plug is snapfit within the open second end of the vial.
 7. The process according toclaim 1 , further including the step of inverting the vial prior tofilling with product.